TREATMENT OF FUEL-OIL AND CRUDE-OIL CONTAMINATED WATERS BY ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrafiltration technology for treatment of fuel oil and crude oil contaminated waters. The experiments were conducted by using a laboratory scale continuous cross-flow membrane filtration system manufactured by Desalination Systems, Inc. (DSI). The unit has a maximum operating pressure of 200 psig (13.8 bar) and can be operated in parallel mode with two membranes, each with a 12 in(2) area. The water samples were prepared by using either a light crude oil (Boney light) or a mixture of jet fuel, diesel and unleaded gasoline at contamination levels of 150 and 3,000 ppm. The G-50 thin-film composite (TFC) membrane, manufactured by Desalination Systems Inc., was used in the experiments. The G-50 membrane was selected after a series of membrane screening tests. The effectiveness of coagulation prior to ultrafiltration was also studied by using Cat-flee K-10, which was selected after a series of coagulant screening tests.